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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: July 8, 2025 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 6-b <br /> SUBJECT: Resolution in Opposition to Senate Bill 205 <br /> DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners, <br /> County Attorney, Planning & <br /> Inspections <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> John Roberts, 919-245-2318 <br /> Resolution Cy Stober, 919-245-2575 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider approval of a resolution opposing Senate Bill 205. <br /> BACKGROUND: At the Board's Business meeting on June 17, 2025, Commissioner Phyllis <br /> Portie-Ascott noted recent discussions and concerns related to Senate Bill 205 currently under <br /> consideration in the North Carolina General Assembly. Introduced during the current General <br /> Assembly session, Senate Bill 205 has been amended in a manner that changes many aspects <br /> of local planning and zoning authority and dramatically impacts the ability of local governments to <br /> act in ways that reflect the will of their communities by amending Chapter 160D of the North <br /> Carolina General Statutes. <br /> Rather than defer to local government staff and elected officials, the bill often prescribes planning <br /> standards and processes that limit public involvement and professional expertise in land use <br /> change matters. The bill, as drafted, is contrary in its intentions to the Orange County Strategic <br /> Plan's Vision Statement: "We are a diverse, inclusive, and healthy county working together to <br /> strengthen our community and enhance the quality of life for all residents." <br /> Chapter 160D provides comprehensive planning and zoning authority to local governments and <br /> would be significantly eroded by the passage of Senate Bill 205, which would diminish the input <br /> and will of local communities. <br /> It was requested at the June 17' meeting that staff present a resolution for Board consideration <br /> at this July 8, 2025 meeting opposing Senate Bill 205. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> resolution. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 1: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CLIMATE ACTION <br /> OBJECTIVE 5. Review land use policies to promote and connect Town, County, and <br /> private trails and open spaces. <br />